Chapter 7: The n Has Changed


    He had passed out again.


    Ah.


    As soon as he came to his senses, his eyes bulged open, and he abruptly sat up. Despite fainting from a blow to the face, he felt refreshed. Shiron licked his lips as if checking something, but there was no wound. Whether it was because he had been lying down for a long time or because the body he possessed had an insane healing ability, it wasnt important right now.


    Damn.


    Looking out the window, dawn was breaking.


    The sun peeked out from between snow-covered mountains. Thick and heavy clouds split as if cut by Mosess miracle. Shiron seemed to have an idea why this ce was called Dawn Castle.


    His appreciation was brief.


    Shit.


    A curse slipped from his lips.


    Did I get hit and pass out again?


    Waking up in the same ce and position after fainting felt like dj vu.


    How can I wake up in the same ce and time?


    He hadnt died and been resurrected Shiron chuckled and opened the drawer next to the bed.


    He picked up an expensive-looking pen and took out a hidden piece of paper from beneath the hinge.


    Ill have to raise the risk level.


    Lucia was more dangerous than expected. He hadnt expected her to punch him just for ying a light prank. It waspletely unexpected.


    Just because I put a snowball inside her clothes, she got this mad?


    If asked why he did it, hed just express his frustration. Yes, part of it was to let her experience the almost fraudulent training method he knew, but also, she seemed so downcast and sulky that he thought changing the mood might be good.


    It was his version of consideration.


    Shiron massaged his neck and took a deep sigh.


    With such a violent person, how delicate and sensitive Shiron must have felt. Its obvious. They must have fought tooth and nail. Time to change the n.


    Shiron tore up the paper filled with various writings. To prevent anyone from seeing, he shredded it finely and threw it into the fire in the corner.


    The game didnt show their childhood. It was unclear why Shiron Prient knew he would die but still blocked Lucias path. It was assumed that Shiron, feeling inferior to the increasingly prominent Lucia, went mad from the continuous pressure and hated his younger sibling.


    Thinking about it made him feel sympathy. Somehow, he felt like he ovepped with Shiron Prien.


    Poor Shiron. Surviving from such a monster since childhood. Impressive. Really impressive.


    He took out a new piece of paper. Shiron decided to overhaul the n he had initially set up.


    I wont forget your death and will use it well.


    Shiron scribbled on the paper.


    Scribble- scribble-


    Various elements were listed on the slightly discolored paper.


    Current location, uing areas, useful items to acquire, and elements to avoid. He even wrote things that, if seen by the schrs of the academy, would make them exim that the worlds mysteries had finally been solved.


    Lastly


    [Bing close with the younger sister is on hold.]


    Shiron firmly dotted the paper.


    The n had changed.


    He had nned to manipte her since childhood, but it wasnt as easy as he thought.


    Shiron organized his writing tools andy on the bed, staring at the ceiling.


    He suddenly thought,


    If I were the original Shiron


    Perhaps he would have run out of the room and challenged Lucia to a duel immediately? It was an amusing thought.


    No.


    Come to think of it, it wasnt fun at all.


    As Shiron became sentimental, a chill ran down his spine.


    One shouldnt take death lightly.


    Shiron pressed his temples hard.


    Although it had only been two days, many facts were verified. The most important was the presence or absence of a game system.


    Adaptability and proficiency.


    This could be said to be the core gimmick of the Reincarnation of the Sword Saint game.


    It was not aplicated system.


    When a yer was active in cold conditions, they took damage and, at the same time, gained cold resistance. Likewise, as weapons or tools were used, the proficiency of that weapon type increased.


    This would serve as a safety mechanism for future dangers.


    Shiron mulled over his experiences from numerous ys and the ns based on them.


    At least I shouldnt get hit and faint.


    Shiron clenched his fist. The foundation building for the future had begun.


    <hr>


    Thump thump thump thump-


    Footprints piled up on the pristine snowy field. Did it snow while he was asleep? Running with snow stuck to the feet was no easy task.


    Pant- Pant-


    Shiron exhaled visible white breaths continuously. He felt as if he could copse any moment from the breathlessness.


    Stay strong, Young Master! Its thestp!


    However, despite the excruciating pain, Shiron did not give up. The moment he gave up on just onep, the efficiency of the training would decrease.


    Thud-


    Finally, in thestp, Shiron fell t on the snow. He didnt care about his clothes getting wet.


    Struggling, Shiron flipped over and opened his mouth.


    Pant, pant, Encia. How many minutes was it?


    He spoke as if spitting out words to the maid holding an hourss. When he asked Yuma for a maid to assist in his training, she had been the one assigned.


    The maid, who tied her reddish-blond hair in lively twin tails, began to count the hoursses.


    One, two five and a half You took 27 minutes and 30 seconds.


    Are you sure? Write it as 28 minutes.


    Shiron, with trembling hands, unbuckled the heavy armor he had wrapped around him. Clinking sounds filled the air as he also took off his gauntlets and greaves.


    Thats mean, Young Master. I was so careful in timing you


    Encia wrote the number on paper, looking about to cry.


    10ps in the training ground, 28 minutes.


    It was the record of Shiron running with heavy weights attached.


    By the way Isnt there a wind-up clock here? Its frustrating not to measure time urately.


    Young Master, considering this climate, there wont be any clock repairman whod be willing toe. Moreover, theres a lot of time deviation in this cold region. Even if there was one, itd be a mere ornament. Just an ornament.


    I see.


    Of course. The most urate measurement methods are the hourss and sundial.


    If you say so.


    Shiron wasnt entirely pleased. The fact that they couldnt measure time urately wasughable in a world where magic existed, and there were trains and airships in distant capitals.


    Of course, magic could measure time urately, but unfortunately, most of the maids of Dawn Castle couldnt use magic.


    After catching his breath for a moment, Shiron took a chunk of ice and ced it in his mouth. Now, it felt neither cold nor refreshing, but just like drinking ice water. He couldnt help but smile at the quicker-than-expected result.


    Young Master!


    Thats when Encia, cing her hand on her hip, looked at Shiron reproachfully. He responded in an uninterested tone.


    What?


    When youre thirsty, you can drink the lemonade I prepared!


    That was a valid point. Shiron, finishing the chunk of ice in his mouth, looked nkly at Encia.


    Im not thirsty. I have my reasons.


    May I ask what those reasons are?


    You dont need to know. Instead, help me up.


    Ensia grabbed the hand that Shiron extended towards her. She also didnt forget to carefully brush off the snow that had settled on Shirons clothes.


    Master. If you catch a cold from this, I will be scolded by the head maid.


    At her slightly saddened voice, Shiron let out a deep sigh and nced at Ensia.


    I wont catch a cold. Even if I do, I can exin it to Yuma.


    Really?


    Yes, if you understand, bring me a spear.


    Shiron took a sip of the lemonade that she had prepared for him. The sweet and sour taste spread throughout his mouth, making him feel refreshed.


    I wonder if it really works this way?


    Shiron asked inwardly.


    [Energetic Maids Lemonade]


    The drink Shiron was having wasnt just any ordinary drink. It was an item obtainable from a side quest. Upon consumption, it immediately removes fatigue effects. Quite a valuable item.


    After a short moment, even before Shirons ss was empty, Ensia brought him a bundle of spears. Even though she covered a significant distance in a short time, she didnt seem disheveled or rushed.


    Good.


    Shiron gripped a spear slightly shorter than his height. Although it felt a bit thick for a child to hold, it wasnt impossible to grasp.


    Perhaps because of the lemonade, he feltpletely re-energized. He loosened up his body with a few shoulder rotations.


    Hup!


    With a shout, he threw the spear.


    Once released from Shirons grip, the spearnded a quarter of the way to the practice target. The result was worse than expected.


    About 30 meters, I guess? Its garbage without the proper technique, unlike using sheer strength.


    Master. Ive prepared a rope. Shall I measure the distance for you?


    Ensia, who hade holding a rope with several knots, approached Shiron. She did this even without being told; her attentiveness pleased Shiron.


    No need. Just a rough estimate by eye will do.


    That concluded todays basic strength training. Shiron turned around and held a spear and staff in each hand. It was time for the next exercise.


    Shiron swung his weapons with all his might in a spot easily visible from the mansion.


    Ensia watched him for a while and then turned her head to speak.


    Master.


    What?


    As Shiron continued to swing, he replied, somewhat anticipating her concern.


    The youngdy keeps ncing over here.


    I know.


    Did something happen?


    Dont worry about it.


    But even if you say that


    Ensias worried expression seemed to plead for a response, but Shiron merely lifted one corner of his lips in a smirk.